Help again please with 1st credit

[babybear39]

The replies to my first post have given the courage to ask for help with this one also.

 

I CCA'd 1st credit on 17/05/07 and this is the reply recieved from them...

 

 

I would be very grateful for advice on this as it seems odd they're saying it might take at least a month to produce the document requested.

[Guest Mincemeat]

This is standard gumph from 1st Credit. File it and pull it out when you need to. It is basically an admission in writing that they cannot comply with the relevant Acts of Parliament

[babybear39]

Thanks Mincemeat Will do.

[rory32]

And if they do ever send you something that looks like an agreement make sure that you scan it in. It will probably be unenforceable for a number of reasons.

[babybear39]

Thanks rory32 Will do.

[babybear39]

Hmmm...had a call from 1st credit at apporx. 17.10 today.

 

HELP!!!

 

Surely after the letter they sent me they should know the account is in dispute, especially as the caller said it was regarding my latter dated 17th May...

 

Luckily, was on guard after reading threads on here and told the caller that I expect to hear from them in writing early next week...

 

Should I now send a letter asking them to conduct all business in writing?

 

I'm a disabled single mum and it's taken me an hour to calm down from the call

 

Don't these people (I use that term loosely of course) have any sense whatsoever? They've had thier CCA and acknowledged it...and it's a Bank Holiday weekend...grrr!

 

I'm ok now Because I know I've got you kind, generous people to help

 

Have a great weekend everyone...

[Gingerheid]

If you stridently and repeatedly order 1st credit not to phone you they will eventually stop.

 

The will then start sending letters asking you to phone them. If you e-mail them telling them to write, they will send a letter asking you to phone them. And so on...

[Andrew66]

I reported this lot to the OFT. They told me on the phone the only way I'd get a copy agreement was if it went to court, and then if I lost I'd be liable for legal costs. I settled but wish I hadn't now. The judge would hve been quite interested if they turned up with the copy agreement ages after I'd asked for it. Report them for harassment!

[babybear39]

Thanks again guys *hugs*

 

I'm 'sticking to my guns' with this lot but when I'm caught unaware just takes a little nudge and reassurance

[remus]

babybear39, just rememeber, this is not personal, they know nothing about you, and care even less. I know it is hard to not act non emotionally when they call, as you think you are speaking to a human being:eek: get tough girl it's the only way to survive.

We know what you are going through, that is what counts.

God bless and follow the advice, you can't go wrong:)

[babybear39]

Thanks remus

 

Am learning quick and acting on advice.

 

Sent letter advising communication in writing only yesterday.

 

When I initially started getting calls from these 'people', I foolishly made the mistake of telling that I'm longterm ill and disabled, then got the classic series of horrible calls from a guy there. BIG mistake!

 

Anyway, back to it...

 

Good luck and thanks again

 

BB

[babybear39]

HELP!!! PLEASE!!!

 

Just had call from the [edit] guy at 1st credit

 

The conversation went as follows:

 

He asked for me by name, I asked who he was and which company he was calling on behalf of, he said 1st credit and I then said that it was me...I calmly advised that I'd CCA'd them on 17th May, also sent a letter re: telephone harassment on 29th May and politely informed him that I'd requested on numerous occassions that all future contact will be conducted in writing only (during the convo he continually tried interupting me and trying to make me answer 'security' questions). He then persisted in an intimidating manner which I interupted advising again calmly that he was now breaking the law re: harassement...Then I hung up.

 

Did I do ok?

 

And what do I do now?

 

Now I feel like absolute sh**e again and feel like crying...

 

BB

[rory32]

You did fine.

 

You may want to think about call barring on your phone though.

Alternatively you could get caller display. Log all calls they make - it will help with a harrassment case.

 

If you choose to answer their calls (remember you don't have too, it is after all you phone line) you may wish to not confirm who you are, that way if they continue they are breaching The Data Protection Act.

Alternatively you could just play music down the phone to them - I believe jesus wants me for a sunbeam is a site favourite.

[babybear39]

Thanks for your help rory32 but I don't have means to screen calls and am sitting here waiting for an urgent call regarding a medical appointment.

 

It's making me terrified to answer the phone but I have to

 

Hopefully they'll lay off when they get my recorded letter sent yesterday re: phone harassment

 

Starting to make me wonder why they're breaking the law and being so agressive though...Hmmm...Makes me think they're doing it because the CCA isn't and never will be available

 

BB

[remus]

babybear39, they are doing it because thats what they like doing:mad: its not personal, know what you mean about not wanting to answer the phone, perhaps, a sorry bbybear32 is not here at the moment, can I take a message;)

another good one is I am recording this for future litagation are you!

Big cuber Hugs coming your way:)

[babybear39]

Thanks remus

 

I've pulled myself together and shot off an e-mail requesting copy of thier complaints procedure and had an auto response saying they're dealing with my request

 

Will keep this updated as I think it's going to have many twists and turns...

 

BB

[Seminole]

If you're a BT customer, you can get the choose to refuse service that allows you to bar specified numbers and also the last anonymous caller to your phone.

[babybear39]

Thanks seminole

 

After calming down, and knowing that the harassement letter will arrive with them tomorrow by rec. post, I think I'll let them 'dig' themselves into a deeper hole just yet. More amunition for me, more charges against them

 

This site is really boosting my confidence with dealing with these vultures, and with every positive action I take I feel more able to cope.

 

I'm going to use the tactics suggested, note all calls and make myself not affraid of my phone

 

Maybe I'll go to the loo while they hang on or is that too gross lol

 

BB

[remus]

Maybe I'll go to the loo while they hang on or is that too gross lol

Their already there:p

[babybear39]

OMFG!!! ROFPMSL...

 

So that's how they know so much about me...They got someoone in my loo lol...

 

BB

[powelll]

Maybe I'll go to the loo while they hang on or is that too gross lol

Their already there:p

 

Hehe liking your style Remus. Or could try keeping a great big whistle / airhorn by the phone.

 

Just wanted to subscribe to say you are doing great babybear39 just stick at it cos you are in the right

[ScarletPimpernel]

Anyone concerned about harassing phone calls from DCAs will find the 'Broken Record' technique useful.

 

Write down a script, such as: " I'm not prepared to discuss this matter on the phone, as your office is aware. Please put all communication in writing."

 

Keep the script by your phone, or conceal it cunningly about your person so that you will always have it to hand.

 

When the DCA calls, read out the script; nothing else. Don't get drawn into conversation, don't respond to threats or questions, just read out the script, over and over again, whenever it's your turn to speak. You need to repeat it because they will not actually be listening to what you have to say (unless or until you cave in to their demands). You may like to hang up after the third or fourth time, but they're paying for the call... They won't last long, anyway, because they'll realise that you aren't going to give in, and anyway the repeated refusals to engage with them will help them get the message that phoning you will be a waste of time. It will also put you in control of the call, which will make them feel very uncomfortable, and you feel more confident.

 

This is a legitimate technique that is used in counselling - and interrogation (and resistance to interrogation)! Try it - it does work!

[babybear39]

Thanks ScarletPimpernel

 

Done, and a few copies to hand

 

Only trouble is now that my notes regarding these calls are going to consume a forrest at this rate lol...

 

Maybe I should start invoicing the DCAs I'm dealing with for secretarial services

 

BB

[remus]

We need a sticky, a list of ways to deal with DCAs phone calls, then depending on which day of the week it is you chose your response.

monday whistle air horn day

tuesday loo day

wednesday recorded script day (sorry SP do not want to waste any breath on them.

thrusday sorry this is a bad line, sorry can't hear you etc etc day then leave the phone by the washing machine (make sure its on)

etc etc

You gotta laugh or you'll cry:D

[remus]

this from 1st credit web site.

Debt Collection

1st Credit consistently achieves industry-leading collection rates. We have a highly motivated team of negotiators with a passion for their job. Tact, persistence and an understanding of people's circumstances are essential to working with account holders to establish a sensible debt repayment plan.

 

Our policy is one of constructive negotiations with the account holders taking into account individuals' personal situations and thereby achieving the optimum result for all concerned.

 

The majority of our collections activity is letter and telephone based. Professionally scripted letters are printed and sent to the relevant account holders and then our dedicated team of negotiators follow up with phone calls.

 

Once all telephone and letter activities have been exhausted, selected accounts will be sent to field agents for personal representation at a local level. This action is only carried out if we believe it will be performance enhancing overall.

Tact?? understanding:eek: